our stories, our struggle: violence and the lives of women

This bold and compelling anthology amplifies the voices of women across

South Asia, challenging entrenched patriarchy and advocating for justice

across borders. From heart-wrenching accounts of gender-based violence

to tales of courage and defiance, the real-life stories, analytical essays, and

inspiring poetry in this collection illuminate both the harsh realities and the

resilience of women in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.

Women suffer from a range of violence, including rape, acid attacks, mass

rapes during communal violence, dowry deaths, caste-based oppression,

killings in the name of ’honour’, and much worse. Our Stories, Our Struggle is

not just a collection of narratives about violations but a call to action, inviting

readers to join the chorus of voices demanding change.

At its core, this volume confronts societal norms that have suppressed

women’s freedoms and safety. Its narratives, written by women, have

been inspired by pivotal events like the ’Nirbhaya’ case, and the numerous

brutalities ignored, if not perpetrated, by regional governments. They

grapple with cultural shifts, complex emotions, and the impact of trauma

on survivors of violence and their families, prompting readers to envision a

future where equity and fairness prevail.